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The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of treated wastewater irrigation on agricultural soils and vegetables along the upper reach of Zarqa River (Jordan). Multiple samples of reclaimed wastewater, soil pits from farms, and vegetables (spinach, parsley, cabbage cauliflower, radish, and onion) were collected and analyzed for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and/or NO 3 - and NO 2 - contents. The average levels of NO 3 - and NO 2 - in treated wastewater samples varied from 167.2 to 209.9 mg/l for NO 3 - and from 80.3 to 106.1 μg/l for NO 2 - . Values of TDS and pH exhibited relatively comparable spatial patterns, with higher values in the downstream channel and lower in the upper reach, adjacent to Al-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant. The average values of NO 3 - and NO 2 - showed broadly decreasing trends down-gradient towards King Talal Dam. In soil pits, a marginal increase of pH values with depth was noted, whereas TDS showed a remarkable decrease in soil profile by ~ 2 to 3 folds. Concurrently, the levels of NO 3 - and NO 2 - in all soil pits markedly decreased from top to bottom. In vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater, substantially elevated levels of NO 3 - were observed, compared with those irrigated with rainwater, with leafy vegetables demonstrating higher levels than the root crops. Spinach exhibited higher capacity for NO 3 - accumulation (4614.1 mg/kg), while onion showed the lowest content (1722 mg/kg). The highest NO 2 - level was observed in parsley (1.19 mg/kg), and the lowest concentrations were found in cauliflower (0.25 mg/kg). The markedly high accumulation of NO 3 - in vegetables is an indicator of pollution activities around Zarqa River and poses potential health risks to humans when they are consumed.

Objective: To review retrospective data of 60 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty over a period of two years., Methods: The medical records of 60 patients who underwent endoscopic septoplasty during the period December 2008 and November 2009 at the King Hussein Medical Center (Amman, Jordan) were reviewed for surgical indications, intraoperative technique, findings, and postoperative complications., Results: Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom, being found in 55 (91.6%) patients. Out of 60 cases, thirty seven were performed in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery. In 23 cases, endoscopic septoplasty was performed alone as the primary procedure. Nasal endoscopic evaluation located nasal septum deviations in the following order; 29 of the deviations were broadly based deflections (48.3%), whereas 23 of the septal deformities were spurs (38.3%). In 8 (13.3%) patients more than 1 type of septal deformity was encountered. No major complications occurred in the immediate post-operative period. Minor complications, such as haemorrhage occurred in one (1.6%) patient and septal haematoma in one (1.6%) patient., Conclusion: Endoscopic septoplasty is an effective technique that can be performed safely alone or in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery with minimal additional morbidity. It provides significant clinical and excellent teaching tool when used in conjunction with video monitors over traditional approaches.